Belagavi's Railway Aspirations: A Long Wait for Infrastructure Boost
The historic city of Belagavi continues to hold its breath as expectations mount ahead of the Union Budget, with residents and officials alike hoping for significant announcements regarding new railway lines and expedited execution of already approved projects. Despite numerous promises and repeated declarations, several crucial railway initiatives in this border district and across North Karnataka have been progressing at an alarmingly slow pace, leaving communities frustrated and disconnected.
A Legacy of Delays and Unfulfilled Promises
While a handful of projects have managed to secure necessary clearances, many others remain stuck in bureaucratic limbo, awaiting approval. The railway network connecting western and northern India, which originally began in Belagavi during the British colonial era, has seen minimal expansion eastward despite decades of persistent demand from local stakeholders. This implementation gap has created significant infrastructure deficits in the region.
Key Projects Facing Prolonged Delays
Several critical railway routes are currently lagging behind schedule, including:
- The Belagavi-Kittur-Dharwad railway line
- The Kudachi-Bagalkot railway connection
- The Belagavi-Kolhapur railway route
- The Belagavi-Sawantwadi railway line
- The Lokapur-Ramdurg-Savadatti-Dharwad railway corridor
- The Shedbal-Athani-Vijayapur railway project
The Shedbal-Vijayapura route project first emerged during the UPA government's tenure and was formally proposed in the 2010-11 budget. Remarkably, this initiative remains unrealized even after more than a decade, highlighting the systemic challenges facing railway development in the area.
Approved Projects Stalled by Implementation Hurdles
The Belagavi-Dharwad project, which received approval in 2019 along with a substantial grant of Rs 823 crore, has encountered significant delays primarily due to alleged land acquisition complications. Similarly, the Bagalkot-Kudachi route connecting Goa to Mumbai, approved back in 2010, continues to see ongoing work without substantial completion. The Lokapur-Kudachi line also remains unfinished, adding to the growing list of incomplete infrastructure projects.
Tourism and Religious Connectivity at Stake
The Lokapur-Ramdurg-Savadatti-Dharwad line holds particular importance as it is expected to provide a significant boost to religious tourism in the district. Demand for a dedicated railway line to the Renuka Yallamma temple has been pending for an extended period, with devotees and local businesses awaiting improved connectivity.
Official Concerns and Government Response
Qutbuddin Qazi, the state president of the railway development struggle committee, expressed deep concern over the government's lack of response regarding the implementation of the Lokapur-Dharwad railway line. "MP Jagadish Shettar frequently mentioned that the railway minister promised to conduct a re-survey of the Lokapur-Savadatti-Dharwad project," Qazi noted. "Unfortunately, the central government has not adequately addressed the demand for new rail connections to Belagavi," he added, highlighting the communication gap between promises and actual execution.
As budget discussions intensify, all eyes remain fixed on whether Belagavi's long-standing railway infrastructure needs will finally receive the attention and resources they desperately require to transform regional connectivity and economic prospects.
